‘8 Mile’ DVD’s going far

Release's sales total over $75 mil; Oscar pix set skeds

Even before Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” won the Oscar for best song Sunday night, the “8 Mile” DVD was selling and renting at a record pace.

Consumers spent more than $75 million on the Universal Studios Home Video release, the most ever for an R-rated movie in the first week and among the top 10 overall, according to the studio. DVD release plans have also been set for other Oscar winners, with Buena Vista Home Entertainment bowing Miramax’s top honoree “Chicago” on Aug. 19 with at least one extra dance number and double Oscar winner “Frida” set for June 10.

Paramount Home Entertainment will release on June 24 a special collector’s edition of “The Hours” that features an audio commentary by best actress winner Nicole Kidman and co-stars Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep and a separate commentary by director Stephen Daldry and novelist Michael Cunningham.

U expects to announce plans next week for the DVD release of “The Pianist,” which took home three awards, including actor (Adrian Brody) and director (Roman Polanski).

MGM Home Entertainment had previously announced a release date of April 22 for best documentary “Bowling for Columbine” but withdrew it several weeks ago without setting a new date. Studio is considering a June release for the docu from Michael Moore.